Inverurie Locos manager Neil Cooper believes he has a leader on the pitch after making Stuart Duff his first signing at Harlaw Park.
Duff moves from Highland League champions Cove Rangers on an 18-month deal and will make his debut for his new club against Deveronvale at Banff on Saturday.
Cooper said: “We have some inexperienced young players at the club and Stuart will definitely make his mark and help the younger lads with his professionalism on the park.
“You can only do so much from the side of the pitch to coach these youngsters and that’s why it’s important the more experienced players also do their bit and, hopefully, Stuart will help to bring on the younger players.”
Duff’s ability to play in several positions was a factor in Cooper’s decision to bring him to Harlaw Park.
He said: “Stuart is a very versatile player. As a manager or a coach you are obviously looking at players who can play in more than one position.
“At this level you can encounter work commitments, injuries and suspensions, so players who are versatile are invaluable.”
Duff is looking forward to a fresh challenge with the Garioch club and has set his sights on helping Locos, who currently sit 10th, climb up the league.
He said: “I know a lot about the club and as I found the playing time at Cove over the last month or two a lot harder to find we came to an agreement where it would suit both parties if I was to move on.
“I am really excited and looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I know Locos have a very talented squad already but it’s maybe just needing a little bit of tinkering under the guidance of Neil Cooper. It was exactly the same scenario when I joined Cove two years ago.
“They also had quite a young squad with a lot of raw talent, just like Inverurie Locos just now.
“I am hoping that using the example of what I was able to do at Cove will work again at Locos and we can get them climbing the table and challenging for honours.
“I have a lot of respect for Neil as a person and as a coach. We know each other well and we know what each of us brings to the table.
“It gives me a lot of confidence for him to go out of his way and make me his first signing for Inverurie Locos.”
